Pyrotechnically actuated switch

Abstract

A switch may comprise a metal plate. A eutectic alloy may be proximate to the metal plate. An insulating material may be proximate to the insulating material. The insulating material may include a recess in the insulating material adjacent the eutectic alloy. A lead may be fixed in place by the insulating material. A first end of the lead is exposed from the insulating material by the recess.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A switch, comprising:
 a metal plate; 
 an eutectic alloy proximate to the metal plate; 
 an insulating material proximate to the eutectic alloy and including a recess in the insulating material adjacent the eutectic alloy; and 
 a lead fixed in place by the insulating material, wherein a first end of the lead is in the recess and electronically isolated from the eutectic alloy prior to a detonation; and wherein after the detonation 
 the recess is no longer provided and the eutectic alloy contacts the lead. 
 
     
     
       2. The switch of  claim 1 , further comprising a cylindrical case enclosing the metal plate, the eutectic alloy, and the insulating material and partially enclosing the lead. 
     
     
       3. The switch of  claim 2 , wherein the cylindrical case comprises stainless steel. 
     
     
       4. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the insulating material comprises an acetyl resin. 
     
     
       5. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the eutectic alloy comprises an indium alloy. 
     
     
       6. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein a melting point of the eutectic alloy is between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
       7. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the metal plate comprises copper. 
     
     
       8. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the metal plate is configured to melt the eutectic alloy and slide towards the lead. 
     
     
       9. A pyrotechnic switching system, comprising:
 a detonation transfer assembly including an explosive output configured to create an air signal; 
 a pyrotechnically actuated switch coupled to the explosive output of the detonation transfer assembly, the pyrotechnically actuated switch comprising: 
 a plate; 
 an eutectic alloy adjacent the plate; and 
 a lead adjacent the eutectic alloy with a recess completely separating the eutectic alloy and the lead before a detonation; and after the detonation, 
 the plate melts the eutectic alloy and presses the eutectic alloy into the recess to contact the lead in response to the air signal. 
 
     
     
       10. The pyrotechnic switching system of  claim 9 , further comprising an insulating material adjacent the eutectic alloy, wherein the insulating material at least partially fixes the lead in place. 
     
     
       11. The pyrotechnic switching system of  claim 10 , wherein an end of the lead is exposed from the insulating material by the opening between the eutectic alloy and the lead. 
     
     
       12. The pyrotechnic switching system of  claim 9 , further including a cylindrical case at least partially enclosing the plate, the eutectic alloy, and the lead. 
     
     
       13. The pyrotechnic switching system of  claim 9 , wherein the eutectic alloy comprises an indium alloy. 
     
     
       14. The pyrotechnic switching system of  claim 9 , wherein a melting point of the eutectic alloy between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
       15. The pyrotechnic switching system of  claim 9 , wherein the plate comprises copper.